Broken || Little Mix ||

Chapter 21 - E

**TRIGGER WARNING**

I pull my cap down nervously and my hood further up my head as I try to remain unnoticed at the airport. My eyes scan the waves of people that come out of the baggage claim area, looking for the familiar brown eyed, shaggy haired man that I call mine. It's been a few days since my secret was outed. I'm slowly going crazy from the lack of privacy that I've had. That, combined with the looks of pity and being treated like a broken China doll, definitely isn't helping anything. With Clarke coming to visit, at least I get to share a room with him rather than be watched like a hawk by Jesy or Perrie. Surprisingly enough, Leigh-Anne seems to be the only one that understands how tiring it is never being alone. She tends to leave me to my own devices, albeit still within eye-shot.

My eyes lock onto a familiar set and I let out a squeal, running from Claude's side. The only reason he came with me is because I still haven't gotten my license. As much shit as we give Leigh, driving is terrifying. Clarke drops the handle of his suitcase and wraps his arms around me, spinning me in a circle before putting me back on the ground. Both my hood and cap fall off of my head as I bring my lips to meet his.

"Hey babes," he whispers to me once he pulls away.

"Hey," I reply smiling widely.

"I've been meaning to ask you something. I want to make things exclusive. Are you okay with that?" he asks grinning.

My smile grows bigger and I eagerly nod my head, kissing him again. I'm suddenly aware of multiple groups of people taking notice of us and recognizing my face. Some have even pulled out their phones and have them pointed towards us. I notice Clarke look around slightly uncomfortably and I untangle myself from his arms and link my hand in his.

"Let's get out of here," I tell him.

He replies only with a nod, still looking a bit uncomfortable but smiling at my gesture of taking his hand. Before we start walking again, he picks my cap off the floor, dusting it off before placing it on my head lopsided. I don't bother to fix it. I lead him back over to Claude, who is smiling and also has his phone pulled out.

"You guys are adorable. I'll send you the pictures once we're in the van. I'm Claude by the way. Nice to meet you," he says extending his hand out to Clarke.

Clarke grips it firmly and flashes him a smile as well. "Clarke. Jade's told me a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Likewise. Let's get moving before we get mobbed."

Despite trying to remain discreet and walking quickly, too many people have recognized who I am and we get stopped multiple times by fans asking for pictures and autographs. I try to say yes to as many of them as possible. I know most of the photos and stories of this will make their way onto social media and the label will love the good PR. Big smiling, chirpy Jade Thirlwall. Clarke and Claude hang back as I do this and Clarke even offers to snap some of the photos, making me smile even more.

We're able to make our way out to the parking garage and climb into the car about twenty minutes later. Claude gets in the driver's seat while I opt to sit in the back with Clarke. He doesn't let go of my hand the whole time.

Him and Claude chat for most of the car ride back to the hotel. Claude does his best to tell as many embarrassing stories of me as possible, including the one where I fell on stage. By the time we get back to the hotel, I'm red in the face and hiding in my jacket. Clarke has tears in his eyes from laughing so hard.